It’s been 40 years since Louise Brown, the first IVF baby, was born in the United Kingdom. At the time, it was both a miracle and controversial. Now in 2018, it has become a common medical procedure, not just in Britain and the US, but around the world. Now we have reached a new milestone.

2018 marks the birth of the 8 millionth IVF baby

So what is IVF all about?

IVF means in vitro fertilization. In vitro literally means in glass. The eggs and sperm are removed from the body, fertilized in a dish (it’s plastic, not glass though) and returned to the womb.

Why has IVF become so common?

Because it works. While IVF is not always successful, it is the only fertility treatment that has higher pregnancy rates than those of normal fertile couples. The technology has improved, and as the developing world has become more prosperous, these technologies have spread outside the US and Western Europe. IVF is now largely accessible to infertile couples worldwide.

Why do IVF instead of other medical procedures?

IVF is not necessarily the first treatment we try. Many patients will conceive with other lower tech ways such as intrauterine insemination or fertility pills and don’t need IVF. Some couples, such as those with damaged fallopian tubes or with very poor quality sperm, cannot conceive without IVF.